The uncertainty over who will eventually run the country has led to the pound and shares fall sharply. The market is concerned that a weak government will have trouble dealing effectively with the UK’s high budget deficit.

Greece’s high debt burden and the latest scenes of violence have caused concern over the UK’s budget deficit, which is almost as high as that of Greece, although the UK has a much lower level of overall debt.

European leaders are meeting later on 7 May in Brussels to discuss the final details of the €110bn loan package to Greece.